Economics of Ornamental Fisheries in Kerala

Comprehensive studies integrating production, consumption and
marketing of ornamental fishes were never conducted in the past in
Kerala and this study is an attempt to highlight the dynamics in a
systematic manner by making a primary empirical study. The
advantages of such an approach are many. First, the study entails
detailed empirical data under a given time frame on various inter linked
economic activities in ornamental fisheries sector. Second, the study
tries to improve upon the previous discipline-bound studies by adopting
an integrated approach. As Kerala has diverse ecological and climatic
conditions, case studies on various ornamental fish production
systems help identifying suitable culture practice for selected
environmental conditions. One of the major conclusions of this study
as explained in the concluding chapter is that although Kerala is
blessed with favourable geographic and climatic conditions needed for
developing ornamental fishery, diverse local conditions and
requirements contain adopting modern methods of enterprise
development.Consumer studies conducted would help to identify the demand of
ornamental fishes and the factors leading to it. Market studies would
help in understanding the forces behind domestic market, which is very
promising, but neglected. Viability studies throw light on the economic
performance of both the production systems and the trading units of
ornamental fishes. Despite the economic significance of ornamental
fisheries industry, its development has been constrained due to various
bio-technical, cultural, socio-economic, organisational and above all,
institutional and policy failures. The outcome of the study would identify
constraints facing the industry and institutional arrangements for
development.

Description:

School of Industrial Fisheries,
Cochin University of Science and Technology